E-Trac suppliers + Chevy(gas) - VS - Ford(diesel)

BIGBOY · Apr 26, 2003

Hello everyone. I have been reading this forum for weeks and am impressed with the wide range of topics and opinions.
I am getting ready to purchase a new 1-ton extended van for expediting. I have been quoted $21,500 for a V8 Chevy (gas) and $30,900 for a Ford (diesel). Just curious as to anyone's thoughts as which one would be better to start off with?
Also I would like any information on where to purchase E-trac's or what companies will install them and about the costs!

Desperate in Ohio....Bored in Indiana....Chewing Cud in Kentucky....Cursing in Michigan....Just passing through Canada!

Weave · Apr 26, 2003

RE: E-Trac suppliers + Chevy(gas) - VS - Ford(dies

As you are starting out new, I would go with the Chevy gas job at close to $10k less bucks. It's certainly a relaible steed that will make you good money and last a long time if you treat it half way right. If things flop, it will be easy to resell to a contractor or such. Trick out a Ford diesel or a Sprinter for van #2 if things go well for you.
Any decent trailer shop in your home town can install e-track. Look in the yellow pages under "Trailers, or Truck Trailers" and make some phone calls. It's not that expensive.
-Weave-

BIGBOY · Apr 27, 2003

RE: E-Trac suppliers + Chevy(gas) - VS - Ford(dies

Thanks Weave for your response. I am leaning towards the Chevy to lower monthly cost. Qualcomm,cell phone, insurance etc is already adding up quickly.
I just was emailed an offer that says any gas engine can get 27% better gas mileage if adding the fuel saver pro....Have you ever heard of this...Do you know if it works? http://wwww.3636598.com/

Desperate in Ohio....Bored in Indiana....Chewing Cud in Kentucky....Cursing in Michigan....Just passing through Canada!

Weave · Apr 28, 2003

RE: E-Trac suppliers + Chevy(gas) - VS - Ford(dies

That monthly cost is what will make or break you, and where the diesel will get a bit better MPG than the gas van, it won't be enough savings to make up for the additional monthly cost plus the little aggravations that go along with running a diesel. I put a response to that fuel saver thing in the general forum. It's the same as putting a magnet on your back to relieve lower back pain

I hope you run well with your van, and we are always here to help.
-Weave-

FlameMerc · Jan 4, 2004

RE: E-Trac suppliers + Chevy(gas) - VS - Ford(dies

Hope i can help. I owned a E=350 Ford diesel and loved it. All drivers I talked to said they are very reliable. I talked to a lot of Chev Gas owners, and they all liked there Chevy accept for the constant changing of fuel pumps.They all cut a hole in the cargo area floor to keep from having to drop the fuel tank, for the repair. One driver told me he had 400k on his van and 11 fuel pumps. Ford doesn't seem to have this problem. good luck .....Butch

OntarioVanMan · Jan 4, 2004

RE: E-Trac suppliers + Chevy(gas) - VS - Ford(dies

funny you would mention fuel pumps..My last Dodge van went thru 4 of them in a relatively short time BUT then I finally bumped into a 25 yr veteran mech at the dealer , he says to me, fuel pumps have no way to cool or lubricate. It relies on the splashing of the fuel for that purpose. Instead of running empty and topping up, he said to run full and top up
This van Dodge now 400k/s and original pump. I've never replaced another pump

tazman · Jan 4, 2004

RE: E-Trac suppliers + Chevy(gas) - VS - Ford(dies

Hi,

Hope I can offer some advise...

Are you looking at 2004 models and if so is the diesel the new 6.0 ??
(I understand they are a few months away from delivery)...

If so then I would get the Chevy to start...the diesel needs a year or so to get the bugs worked out.....

Also be sure you are offered the Commercial upfit rebate for the E-track or anything else you add to the unit...You have to be a a legit business owner...but Ford should give you anywhere from $300 to $1000
bucks for the upfit.....

E-track can be added for about $7-$10/foot from most upfit companies...check with you dealer to see who he likes to do the work.

Hope this helps...

Tazman
"The Beast in the East"